The Lightshade 30-Day Challenge

Swapping The Bottle For The Bud

Lightshade recently partnered with 5280 Magazine to examine the age-old debate of cannabis vs. alcohol. More specifically, we analyzed the health effects of consuming alcohol against those of using cannabis.

What we found may not come as a surprise to some of you, but cannabis outscores alcohol in almost every measurable sense.  In fact, a recent study named the consumption of alcohol as the seventh leading risk factor for premature death and disability, citing alcohol’s connection to liver disease, cardiovascular complications, weight gain, cancer and social issues, as evidence.

On the other side of the spectrum, cannabis products scored high marks, with evidence showing its ability relieve tension, elevate mood and aid in sleep habits. There’s also no link between cannabis consumption and premature death or a single documented fatality caused by a cannabis overdose.

For a more in-depth look into our findings, you can read the full article here. At a glance, it’s clear the scale leans pretty far in favor of cannabis as a healthy alternative to alcohol.

We think it’s time to put down the wine and pick up the weed.

30 Days of Healthier Habits: The Challenge

One of the five pillars of our Lightshade Cares initiative is to Elevate With Education. While this includes providing up-to-date information, facts and conversation surrounding marijuana, openly and honestly to our customers, it also shows how to integrate cannabis as part of an overall healthy lifestyle.

This is why we’ve put together the Lightshade 30-Day Challenge. This challenge aims to help reduce your consumption of alcohol, thus curbing its negative side effects, by using cannabis products as a healthy alternative. Below we’ve broken it down into a four-week program and given you all the information you need to make sure you succeed.

So, without further ado, let’s get started!

Week 1

This one’s easy. Swap out just one day of alcohol with cannabis instead. Maybe you’ve had a rough start to the workweek and are craving a glass of wine to help detach from the day. Instead of reaching for the merlot, try one of these alternatives to help relax and unwind:

These CBD based products are great for achieving relaxation and tension relief without the psychoactive “head-highs” produced by THC dominate products, so you can face the rest of your week clear-headed and stress free. These products in particular are fairly fast acting, so you can achieve the desired effect quickly and still hit-the-hay early to take on your next morning well rested.

Week 2

Week 1 was easy, so we thought we’d keep the train rolling. Once again, look to replace one day of alcohol consumption with cannabis during week 2 of the challenge. Time to escape the stress of the day with a bit more strength. For this week, we recommend the following:

These products are easy to use and provide consistent effects with a mellow, relaxing high. Both provide quick onset, so there is minimal waiting for effects. Patches are known for their long duration, while the micro-dosing pills allow you to achieve your precise desired dosage. Both perfect for a mid-week break!

Week 3

It’s time to up the ante. For Week 3, attempt to swap out two nights of alcohol consumption with cannabis. This week, try trading in your after-dinner cocktail for a couple evenings of cannabis inspired desserts with the following recommended products:

Dixie’s vanilla flavored dew drops are perfect for a sweet post-meal palate cleanser that’s sure to help you relax for the evening. The dropper makes accurate dosage easy for this fast-acting tincture. If you have a big morning the next day, reach for the 1906 Midnight Chocolates. These chocolates will help provide you a full night’s sleep that will leave you rejuvenated, ready to tackle your day. Not to mention they taste fantastic! Perfect for all you chocoholics out there.

Week 4

You did it! You’re on the final week of the Lightshade 30-day challenge. Chances are you’re feeling great, and that calls for a celebration. For week 4, set the goal of replacing two days of alcohol consumption with cannabis, but make sure at least one of the days is on the weekend so you can let loose and really relax, without the impending hangover that comes with alcohol. For the final week of the challenge, we recommend:

Lucid Mood ENERGY disposable vape pen is ideal for a weekend afternoon in Colorado. The discreet and flavorful pen delivers an energetic and stimulating high that’s perfect for your weekend plans, whether you’re hiking or hitting up a concert at Red Rocks. Having friends over? Lightshade pinner joints are great for sharing with friends at a Saturday night get-together, and easy to store in their convenient carrying tin. Maybe you’re looking to mellow out your Sunday afternoon. Wana 1:1 Gummies are a great way to sit-back, relax and enjoy the sunset on a stress-free weekend. These gummies can pack a punch though, so be sure to start with a small dosage while you’re rounding out your time-off.

And that’s it! Challenge complete.

Of course, it doesn’t have to end at 30 days. You can continue to incorporate cannabis into your routine in place of alcohol to achieve a healthier lifestyle. 

Just remember, with all edibles, it’s important to start low and go slow. Edibles pack a punch and tend to have slower onset times and longer durations. We recommend you start with no more than 5mg and wait at least 60-90 minutes for effects to set in. If you prefer faster onsets, sublingual tinctures will yield the fastest results, but you can also utilize vape and flower.

Get creative with your replacements and make your plan work for you.  Still enjoy a drink after work? No problem. Try crafting some cannabis-infused “mocktails” or smoothies. 

You can even incorporate Ripple’s dissolvable THC into your favorite food dishes. The world is your oyster, and Lightshade carries all the products you need to make the most of it.

Good luck on your journey to healthier habits!